RE: Rheumatologist info. Bernie

April 29, 2004

Hi Onale: Thank you so much for the heads up and tip. I have copied

your note and will show it to her. I am wondering if a support of some

sort would be preventative and yet probably not as she even dislikes

wearing a watch. Does anyone else always remove their watch and keep it

in their pocket. I should probably get the name of that brace for future

need and I will be most firm with her re how she uses her thumbs. Now

you know why I was soooo angry that the rheumy did not even examine her

joints. That is the kind of thing he should be advising on.

This site and all those who contribute are a godsend. Please take a

look at my note to Mike.

Bernie

Re: Rheumatologist info. Bernie

Bernie, I had the same problems with my thumbs that Meaghan has... My

left thumb joint is now completely rubber like it's not attached at all.

The tendons also slide over the joints in my ankles, hips where you can

see the tendon actually snapping back and forth. The joints that this

happens to are now the worst to deal with. My left ankle is in shambles.

My orthotist found me the perfect brace for my thumb which now allows

me to use it again. For years, simple things like picking up a glass

have been very difficult because that thumb would always be " backwards " .

Let her know to be very careful not to let those thumbs bend backwards

because once it happens once, they don't come back. My right one is

still in tact and the tendon still thunks but I'm very careful not to

let there be any pressure on the joint.

April 29, 2004

Hi Bernie,

Another thing I would ask for from your rheumy is to get Meaghan

reffered to the arthritis society as a client. They have wonderful

occupatinal therapists who could come to your home, meet Meaghan,

asses her physical ability (they ask a lot of questions to get a good

idea of what your daily life is like!), asses your home, and then

make some pretty good suggestions on how your home could be changed

to make things easier for Meaghan. IE/ furniture raised, a grab bar

in the shower/tub, etc... Also, an occupational therapist can make

up some really nifty splints for the wrist, thumbs, and fingers.

Many of their PTists are well versed with pool therapy and could

write up a good program for her. This is just another avenue you can

check out, or have on hand just in case things at Bloorview, etc...

don't work out. Always good to have a 'fall back' plan.

Again, I " m so sorry of how it went with the other rheumy. I know just

exactly how awful that kind of scenario is. :'-C All the best with

the Dr. @ Mount Sinai! I hope that appt. goes much better.

April 29, 2004